How do the Parthenon and Ise Shrine relate to their worshipers in different ways using ritual processions and ceremonies? How does accessibility to the inner portions of both complexes reflect their different political systems?
These sites will have information on your questions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenon
http://academic.reed.edu/humanities/110Tech/Parthenon.html
http://www.sacredsites.com/europe/greece/parthenon.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ise_Shrine
http://www.archiplanet.org/wiki/Ise_Shrine
http://www.isejingu.or.jp/english/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4300.html
To understand how the Parthenon and Ise Shrine relate to their worshipers in different ways and reflect their political systems through ritual processions and accessibility, we need to explore their historical and cultural contexts.
The Parthenon, located in Athens, Greece, was built in the 5th century BCE as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was an important religious and cultural center in ancient Athens. The Ise Shrine, on the other hand, is located in Ise, Japan, and is one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu.
Ritual Processions:
In ancient Athens, the Parthenon played a significant role in religious festivals, particularly the Panathenaic Festival. During these festivals, a grand procession called the Panathenaic Procession would take place, culminating in a lavish ceremony at the Parthenon. The procession involved various participants, including priests, priestesses, musicians, and citizens carrying sacred items and offerings. This ritual procession allowed the worshipers to actively participate in the religious festivities and engage with the temple.
The Ise Shrine also has its own ritual processions and ceremonies. One prominent example is the Shikinen Sengu ceremony, which takes place approximately every 20 years. During this ceremony, the main shrine buildings are reconstructed by skilled craftsmen, and the holy objects are transferred to the new shrine buildings. Access to the ritual procession and ceremonies at the Ise Shrine is, however, limited to a select group of individuals, including Shinto priests and members of the imperial family. The general public is excluded from participating directly in these events.
Accessibility and Political Systems:
The accessibility to the inner portions of both the Parthenon and the Ise Shrine reflects their different political systems and religious beliefs.
In ancient Athens, the Parthenon was situated on the Athenian Acropolis, a hill overlooking the city. It was positioned at a prominent location, visible and accessible to all citizens. This accessibility symbolized the democratic nature of the Athenian political system, where all male citizens had the right to participate in religious, political, and civic affairs. Therefore, the Parthenon's inner portions were accessible to the general public, allowing them to engage with the religious practices and feel a sense of ownership and empowerment.
In contrast, the Ise Shrine follows a more hierarchical and exclusive approach. Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, traditionally emphasizes the separation between the sacred and the profane. Therefore, access to the inner portions of the Ise Shrine, including the main sanctuary, is restricted to the Shinto priests and the imperial family. This reflects a more centralized and traditional political system where religious authority is closely tied to the ruling powers and reinforces the hierarchical structure of society.
In summary, while both the Parthenon and Ise Shrine have ritual processions and ceremonies, they differ in terms of the involvement of worshipers and accessibility. The Parthenon, being a symbol of Athenian democracy, allowed public participation and engagement, while the Ise Shrine, with its exclusive access for religious authorities and the imperial family, reflected a more hierarchical and centralized political system.